Can Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements and piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Horei Cichlid

Ctenochromis horei

Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)

Microdevario kubotai

🐠Family Group
Horei Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Cyprinids
Temperament
Horei Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
24–28°C
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
20–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Horei Cichlid
7.8–9
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
10–25
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
2–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Moderate
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 208 L
Horei Cichlid
208 L
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Horei Cichlid
MiddleBottom
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Horei Cichlid
Territorial (Defends specific area)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Horei Cichlid
Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Horei Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Horei Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Horei Cichlid (7.8–9) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) (6–7.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 208 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - lighly covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai).

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

A minimum of 208 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Horei Cichlid or Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) aggressive?

Horei Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Horei Cichlid and Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Horei Cichlid prefers 7.8–9, while Neon Green Rasbora (Kubotai) needs 6–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Horei Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Horei Cichlid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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